Leaf Springs for Surgical Stapler Lockouts and Tool-Free Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wire springs used in single-use lockout assemblies for surgical staplers require tools for installation, are prone to deformation, have low preload, and are often installed incorrectly, leading to a risk of accidentally cutting tissue without stapling.
Innovation Solution
The use of leaf springs with improved elasticity, resistance to deformation, and higher preload, featuring self-centering and self-correcting mechanisms to ensure proper installation and deployment of the lockout mechanism, eliminating the need for tools and enhancing visual verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional wire springs are used in lockout assemblies, then the assembly can be manufactured with simple materials, but the springs require tools for installation and are prone to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional wire springs with leaf springs that utilize elastic deformation principles to achieve both tool-free installation and resistance to permanent deformation. The leaf spring design allows the spring to be inserted and secured through elastic engagement features, eliminating the need for external tools while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the spring by transitioning from wire spring geometry to leaf spring geometry, which has different elastic properties. This parameter change enables the spring to achieve higher preload and better deformation resistance while maintaining ease of installation through modified engagement mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If conventional wire springs are used in lockout assemblies, then the structure can be simple, but the preload is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the spring by transitioning from wire spring geometry to leaf spring geometry, which has different elastic properties. This parameter change enables the spring to achieve higher preload while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional wire springs are used in lockout assemblies, then manufacturing can be straightforward, but installation errors occur frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-aligning and self-securing features in the leaf spring design that automatically position the spring correctly during installation and prevent misalignment. The spring geometry and engagement features work together to ensure proper installation without requiring complex alignment procedures or specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional wire springs with leaf springs that utilize elastic deformation principles to achieve both tool-free installation and resistance to permanent deformation. The leaf spring design allows the spring to be inserted and secured through elastic engagement features, eliminating the need for external tools while maintaining structural integrity.
4Device complexity
If conventional wire springs are used in lockout assemblies, then the design can be simple, but the risk of accidental tissue cutting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single-use lockout assembly design where the entire cartridge, including the leaf spring, is disposed of after one use. This disposable approach eliminates the risk of spring failure or misinstallation in subsequent uses, as the entire assembly is discarded after the single surgical procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-aligning and self-securing features in the leaf spring design that automatically position the spring correctly during installation and prevent misalignment. The spring geometry and engagement features work together to ensure proper installation without requiring complex alignment procedures or specialized tools.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The leaf springs reduce the risk of improperly triggered lockout assemblies, preventing accidental reuse or refiring of the reloadable cartridge assembly, thereby ensuring safe and reliable operation of surgical staplers.
Implementation Method 1
leaf springs with improved elasticity, resistance to deformation
Data Source
AI summary
Springs for lockout assemblies, such as for single-use lockout assemblies implemented in reloadable cartridge assemblies of surgical staplers, and associated systems, devices, and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a spring includes (a) a hook portion at a first end portion of the spring opposite the second end of the spring, and (b) a loop portion. In an absence of external force applied to the spring, the loop portion can be generally positioned at a first side of the hook portion opposite the second end portion of the spring such that the hook portion is positioned generally along a plane positioned between the loop portion and the second end portion. In some embodiments, the spring is a leaf spring, includes a cutout extending at least partway between the hook portion and the second end portion, and/or includes a notch at the second end portion.